Texting is its own language these days. If you’ve ever opened a chat and felt like you were reading code, you’re not alone. Slang words and abbreviations are everywhere—sometimes it feels like you need a translator just to keep up. But don’t sweat it! We’re breaking down the top 10 texting slang words you’ll see in 2025, so you can text like a pro (or at least know what your friends are talking about). Whether you’re sliding into DMs or just trying to keep up with the group chat, this guide has you covered.
| Slang Word | Meaning | Example Use | Why It’s Popular |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOL | Laugh Out Loud | “That joke made me LOL 😂” | Classic, universal |
| BRB | Be Right Back | “Gotta grab food, BRB” | Quick replies |
| SMH | Shaking My Head | “He failed the test, SMH” | Expresses disbelief |
| TBH | To Be Honest | “TBH, I don’t like pineapple” | Honesty trend |
| GOAT | Greatest Of All Time | “MJ is the GOAT 🐐” | Hype & praise |
| IYKYK | If You Know, You Know | “That party… IYKYK” | Inside jokes |
| Bet | Yes/Okay/Affirmation | “You coming? Bet.” | Confident reply |
| Sus | Suspicious | “That’s kinda sus” | Among Us influence |
| Mid | Mediocre/Average | “That movie was mid” | Honest reviews |
| Tea | Gossip | “Spill the tea ☕” | Drama & stories |
What’s the Deal With Texting Slang?
Texting slang is basically a shortcut for your thumbs. It’s all about speed, vibe, and sometimes just sounding cooler. Instead of typing out full sentences, people use abbreviations, acronyms, or even just a single emoji to get the point across. It’s like a secret code, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself using it without even thinking.
Here’s a fun fact: some slang words have been around longer than you might guess. “LOL” has been making people laugh online since the 1980s, and it’s still going strong[1]. Others, like “sus,” blew up because of viral games and TikTok trends[1]. If you want to dive deeper into the roots of these words, check out our Gen Z slang guide or explore the decoding text abbreviations post.
Top 10 Texting Slang Words (2025 Edition)
Let’s get into the good stuff. Here are the slang words you’ll see everywhere this year:
1. LOL (Laugh Out Loud) 😂
- Definition: Used when something is funny, or just as a chill response.
- Example: “You tripped over your own shoelace? LOL.”
- Pro Tip: Sometimes people use “LOL” even when they’re not actually laughing. It can just mean “I’m not mad” or “I’m being friendly.” Want more? Here’s a full breakdown of LOL.
2. BRB (Be Right Back)
- Definition: Quick way to say you’re stepping away for a sec.
- Example: “BRB, gotta help my mom with groceries.”
- Anecdote: I once said “BRB” in a group chat and came back an hour later—my friends had already started a whole new convo. Lesson: BRB is not a promise, it’s a hope!
3. SMH (Shaking My Head)
- Definition: Used when something is just… disappointing or dumb.
- Example: “He wore socks with sandals, SMH.”
- Expert Tip: Use “SMH” for mild roast vibes, not for serious drama. Check out more on SMH meaning.
4. TBH (To Be Honest)
- Definition: Used to keep it real, even if it’s a little harsh.
- Example: “TBH, I think pineapple on pizza is overrated.”
- Insight: TBH is perfect for those moments when you want to spill your true feelings, but keep it casual.
5. GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) 🐐
- Definition: The absolute best, no contest.
- Example: “LeBron is the GOAT.”
- Personal Take: There’s always that one friend who calls themselves the GOAT after winning Mario Kart once. Let them have their moment.
Real-Life Examples & Trends
Texting slang is everywhere—Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, you name it. You’ll see “sus” pop up in memes, “tea” in comment sections, and “mid” in every review thread. If you’re curious about the latest emoji meanings (like the 🥱 or 👀), check out our emoji guides and eyes emoji meaning.
Variations & Regional Differences
Not all slang is universal. For example, “tea” might mean gossip in the U.S., but in the UK, it’s literally just tea. And don’t get me started on how Aussies use their own wild slang—peep our Australian slang guide if you want to sound like you’re from Down Under.
Absolutely! Here’s the second half of the article, picking up with the rest of the top 10 texting slang words, plus extra tips, examples, and useful internal links.
6. IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)
- Definition: Used for inside jokes or things only certain people will get.
- Example: “That pizza place after midnight… IYKYK.”
- Expert Tip: Dropping “IYKYK” in a post or story makes things feel exclusive, like you’re part of a secret club. If you want to see how other cryptic slang works, check out WTW meaning or JWU.
7. Bet
- Definition: Means “okay,” “yes,” or “for sure.” Super versatile.
- Example: “You coming to the game?” “Bet.”
- Anecdote: I once replied “bet” to my friend’s invite, and he showed up with snacks—turns out “bet” can also mean “I’m down and I’m bringing the good vibes.” For more on this, hit up Bet meaning.
8. Sus (Suspicious)
- Definition: Short for “suspicious.” Used when something or someone seems off.
- Example: “He said he was home, but I saw him at the store. Kinda sus.”
- Trend: “Sus” went viral thanks to Among Us, but it’s stuck around because it’s just so easy to use. Dive deeper into Sus meaning.
9. Mid
- Definition: Means “average” or “not that great.” Not exactly an insult, but definitely not a compliment.
- Example: “The new album was mid, not gonna lie.”
- Insight: “Mid” is perfect for when you want to be honest without being too harsh. If you’re into honest reviews, you’ll see this everywhere.
10. Tea (Gossip) ☕
- Definition: Means gossip, drama, or juicy news.
- Example: “I’ve got some tea about what happened at the party.”
- Pro Tip: If you want to be the first to know the tea, just ask, “What’s the tea?” Want to see how “tea” fits in with other wild slang? Check out Bussin meaning or LBVS meaning.
Real-Life Examples
Here’s how these slang words show up in actual convos:
- Group chat:
“Did you see what happened at lunch?”
“Spill the tea ☕”
“It was so mid, tbh.” - On TikTok:
“This fit is GOAT, IYKYK.” - Snapchat streaks:
“Brb, gotta walk the dog”
“Bet, I’ll be here.” - Instagram comments:
“That’s sus 😳”
“SMH, can’t believe it.”
If you’re ever confused by a new abbreviation, check out our Decoding Text Abbreviations page or get the scoop on the latest emoji meanings.
Regional and Generational Differences
Not all slang is created equal. What’s “mid” in New York might be “dead” in London. Some words, like GYAT, are mostly Gen Z, while others, like BRB, have been around since the AIM days. If you’re curious about how slang changes across the globe, check out our guides to British slang, Irish slang, and New Zealand slang.
Why Do Teens Love Texting Slang?
- It’s fast: Who wants to type out “be right back” when you can just say “BRB”?
- It’s fun: Slang lets you show personality and be playful.
- It’s a vibe: Using the right slang makes you feel like you’re part of the crew.
- It’s creative: New words pop up all the time—sometimes from memes, sometimes from nowhere.
When (and When Not) to Use Texting Slang
Pros:
- Makes texting quicker and more fun.
- Helps you fit in with friends.
- Shows you’re up-to-date with trends.
Cons:
- Can confuse parents, teachers, or anyone not “in the know.”
- Not great for school essays or job applications.
- Sometimes slang gets overused and loses its meaning.
Expert Tip:
When in doubt, keep slang to group chats, DMs, and social media. If you’re texting your grandma or writing a formal email, maybe skip the “sus” and “mid.”
Final Thoughts
Texting slang isn’t just about being trendy—it’s about connecting with your friends in a way that feels natural and fun. Don’t worry if you don’t know every word right away. Language is always changing, and there’s always something new to learn. If you ever get stuck, just check back here or hit up the rest of Slanginfo.com for the latest updates.
Got a slang word you think should be on the list? Drop it in the comments or check out more of our guides to stay ahead of the curve. And remember: If you know, you know. IYKYK.
